Lagier Meredith Malbec 2015
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Robert
Parker
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Malbec opens with broody/earthy notions of tar, charcoal and damp soil over a core of blueberries and plums, plus hints of bay leaves and lavender. Medium-bodied, fine-grained, fresh and elegant in the mouth, it has beautifully expressive perfumed fruit that lingers long into the finish.
Rating: 90+
Other Vintages
2018-
Wine
Spectator
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Robert
Parker
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Robert
Parker
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Wilfred
Wong
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Wine
Spectator
The flavor of the wine is reminiscent of the Northern Rhône in its red berry and white pepper aromas, but it has more extract and body. It has intense flavor and deep color but, unlike some other red wines, where big color usually means big tannin, Lagier Meredith Syrah is not harshly tannic so it drinks well when it is young, but it is also expected to age well.
Celebrated for its bold flavors and supple texture, Malbec has enjoyed runaway success in Argentina since the late 20th century. The grape originated in Bordeaux, France, where it historically contributed color and tannin to blends. A French agronomist, who saw great potential for the variety in Mendoza’s hot, high-altitude landscape, brought Malbec to Argentina in 1868. Somm Secret—If you’re trying to please a crowd, Malbec is generally a safe bet with its combination of dense fruit and soft tannins.
Centered at the peak for which it is named, Mount Veeder is Napa’s largest sub-AVA. But even though the entire appellation spreads over 16,000 acres, vineyards cover a mere 1,000. Scattered among Douglas firs and bristlecone pines, Mount Veeder vineyards extend south from the upper elevations of the Mayacamas Mountains—the highest point at 2,400 feet—to the border of the Carneros region. Less than 25 wineries produce wine from Mount Veeder fruit.
Winemaking began early in this appellation. In 1864, Captain Stelham Wing presented the first Mount Veeder wine to the Napa County Fair; it came from today’s Wing Canyon Vineyard. Prohibition, of course, halted winemaking and viticulture wasn’t revitalized until the founding of Mayacamas Vineyards in 1951 and Bernstein Vineyards in 1964.
The Bernstein Vineyards was actually home to the first Petit Verdot in California, planted in 1975. Today most of the Petit Verdot in Napa Valley originates from this vineyard.
Rocky volcanic clay and ancient seabed matter dominate Mount Veeder soils—perfect for Bordeaux varieties. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot enjoy spectacular success. These varieties produce wines rich in brambly blackberry and black cherry fruit with herbal and floral aromatics. Structures are moderate to assertive and wines have great staying power.
Chardonnay from Mount Veeder is lush, full and balanced mineral and fresh citrus flavors.